Everything Co-op With Vernon Oakes

November 14, 2024 In this episode, an interview with Mike Houston, General Manager of the Takoma Park Silver Spring Food Co-op (TPSS), is featured. Mike discusses the complete remodeling process of TPSS, detailing how cooperative priorities were leveraged to preserve jobs, support the community, and enhance the modernization and efficiency of the space without resorting to loans. Mike Houston has 14 years of experience in the natural food industry, managing independently owned community stores. He is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery's Emerging Leaders program and serves as the chair of the Montgomery County Food Council. Mike is also on the National Cooperative Grocer's Advocacy Advisory Committee, the Member Advisory Committee, and the board of the Old Takoma Business Association. He holds a B.S. from the University of Missouri's College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources. The Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op has been serving the community since its inception in 1981 and has occupied its current lo